BOWERS, CLARK, a retired farmer residing in Riverton, Ill., is a veteran of the Civil War and a substantial, representative citizen. He was born in Clinton County, Ohio, February 16, 1830, son of Reuben and Loretta (Ludington) Bowers, the former born in Germany and the latter in Pennsylvania. The father came to America as a young man and settled in Clinton County, where he was engaged in farming many years. He moved to Logan County, Ill., where he carried on farming from 1837 until a year prior to his death, when he located in Tazewell County and engaged in farming there. He was a soldier in the Mexican War and was the father of six sons and five daughters, all of whom are deceased except Clark.

The education of Mr. Bowers was received in an old log schoolhouse in Logan County, and in boyhood he helped his father with the farm work, remaining at home until he was a young man, then learning the trade of shoemaker. However, most of his active life was spent in farming in Tazewell County. He removed to Sangamon County in 1880, but since about 1900 has lived retired from active life. He is interested in the welfare of his community and is ready to espouse any worthy cause. He is a member of the Methodist Church and in politics is a Republican. He takes pride and pleasure in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and has well earned the rest he enjoys. He has met with success in his operations and owns a pleasant home in Riverton.

Soon after the beginning of the Civil War Mr. Bowers enlisted in Company C, Sixteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, served one year, and was discharged at Memphis, Tenn., being sent back to Peoria (from where he had enlisted) on account of an injury he had sustained in service. He is affiliated with the local G.A.R. Post, and stands well with his comrades.

Mr. Bowers married, in September, 1863, in Tazewell County, Ill., Miss Nancy Farris, who was born in Clark County, Ill., where her father was an early settler and carried on farming until his death. Mrs. Bowers died in 1876, having borne three sons and two daughters, and four children are now living: Sarah, the oldest, married Jeff Green and lives in Newman, where her husband is engaged in the livery business; Joseph, of Sherman, Ill.; Henry, of Riverton, in the employ of the Illinois Traction System; Martin, also a resident of Riverton. There are twelve living grandchildren and three great-grandchildren in the family.